It seems that the lockdown restrictions are slowly giving way to normalcy. This is evident all across the board especially when you take a look at some of the latest developments. This started off with the extension of business operating hours to 1630hrs from the previous 1500hrs. This was coupled with a review of the curfew from starting at 1800hrs to starting at 2000hrs. This was followed by a lifting of restrictions on the local tourism sector. Already domestic flights have been resumed with international flights set to resume beginning of October. As if that was not enough, the government has just communicated on a review of business working hours. Businesses can now operate till 1830hrs – being allowed to start off at 0630hrs.

Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services’ Remarks

Monica Mutsvangwa, the minister of this ministry had this to say: “As we gradually open the economy, we need to remember that we are doing this while taking all necessary precautions to fight the invisible enemy, COVID-19. The easing of lockdown restrictions is not an indication that we have defeated this pandemic, but we are a nation seeking to balance between our economic interests and the protection of life.”

She said this during a press briefing after an inter-ministerial meeting. She also added on regarding the resumption of operations at Victoria Falls. She highlighted that other entry points are still being assessed and any developments will be communicated in due course.

The Latest On COVID-19 Tests

Given the aforementioned developments imply movement there are obvious concerns on issues regarding the pandemic. To shed light on this the head of the COVID-19 taskforce, Dr Agnes Mahomva had this to say: “When one is positive today, they do not necessarily need to get another test and another third test to be declared recovered if you are not symptomatic for 10 days, in our case its two weeks. If the two weeks are up without symptoms, you can go back and resume your work without testing. As long as we have new cases, it is clear that we are not out of the woods yet. I am delighted that in the last Cabinet meeting, they specifically adopted a team of experts for guidance.”

The Latest On The Retail Industry

The Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers had the following to say: “Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers applauds the President, Cabinet and entire Government for proving that it is indeed a listening Government.  Our application for extension of operating hours and reopening of alcoholic beverages outlets was listened to. As business we will also continue to put in place measures that we operate in accordance to WHO guidelines and continue promoting the safety of our customers.”

Things To Ponder

All these developments are being directed at stimulating the economy to fire again. I think the gradual progression regarding easing of restrictions is prudent. I do also feel that all factors have to be considered – overlooking some can short-circuit progress. Vigilance still has to be exercised in order to ensure the spread of pandemic does not resurge.

Another thing to note is that inter-city travel is still restricted – though it is happening clandestinely. I think there is a contradiction in that intra-city travel has been on-going with widespread defiance of preventive or precautionary measures. Plus like I said, inter-city travel has been on-going too. Thus it follows that lifting of restrictions on inter-city travel is somehow necessary. If it becomes official I believe it is central to stimulating economic activity even further.

Anyways, I do appreciate that due diligence and assessments have to be made before making such decisions so we will just wait and see. Even the lifting of restrictions on the tourism sector will not yield much, especially for domestic travel, if inter-city travel is still officially restricted.

Extension of business operating hours to 1830hrs should also mean curfew has to be reviewed. Nothing has been officially said but I think the curfew is no longer really necessary. Knocking off at 1830hrs means one has 1 and a half hours to wrap at work and beat the curfew – which is a tall order. So it would be best to scrap the curfew altogether. Overall, the extension of business operating hours is much needed and was long overdue.